Michael Vink and Tim Rush won stage four of The Pioneer, which finished in Bannockburn, New Zealand, by nearly four minutes today.
Brendan Johnston and Jon Odams were the next team to cross the line, with Ryan Sissons and Sam Osborne third.
“I think everyone enjoys those shorter days, it is a bit closer times and more competitive racing which is always good, so in the end it was a really nice stage,” said Vink.
Rush said they made a break up the second climb on the second lap.
“Vinky put the hurt on and it split pretty easily and I was just a passenger basically and held on,” said Rush.
“He was a machine today and was next level, I was going backwards, and he was going forwards, I am pleased we are done tomorrow.”
In the women’s category it was Kate McIlroy and Amy Hollamby maintaining their 100% stage winning record in the open race.
In the mixed race, Josie Wilcox and Joe Skerman won by almost 90 seconds from Michael and Holly Harris.
View more results below.
Michael Vink and Tim Rush won stage four of The Pioneer, which finished in Bannockburn, New Zealand, today. Photo: Tim Bardsley-Smith
Stage four (61km)
Open men
1. Tim Rush & Michael Vink, NZL, Onya Bike North Otago, 2:19:26
2. Brendan Johnston & Jon Odams, AUS, Giant Australia, 2:23:10
3. Ryan Sissons & Sam Osborne, NZL, Winger Hamilton, 2:23:13
Open women
1. Kate McIlroy & Amy Hollamby, NZL, Stonewood Homes, 2:51:45
2. Nina McVicar & Reta Trotman, NZL, New World St Martins, 3:18:54
3. Hannah Buchannan & Sarah Gilbert, NZL/USA, Tiki Wine & Vineyards, 3:28:03
Mixed
1. Joe Skerman & Josie Wilcox, NZL, JoJo, 2:40:17
2. Holly Harris & Michael Harris, AUS, Sram Mtoss, 2:41:43
3. Karl Michelin Beard & Emma Viotto, AUS, Shimano Pushys Cannondale, 2:52:38
General Classification
Open men
1. Tim Rush & Michael Vink, NZL, Onya Bike North Otago, 14:05:40
2. Brendan Johnston & Jon Odams, AUS, Giant Australia, 14:14:33
3. Ryan Sissons & Sam Osborne, NZL, Winger Hamilton, 14:33:12
Open women
1. Kate McIlroy & Amy Hollamby, NZL, Stonewood Homes, 17:10:36
2. Nina McVicar & Reta Trotman, NZL, New World St Martins, 19:19:27
3. Hannah Buchannan & Sarah Gilbert, NZL/USA, Tiki Wine & Vineyards, 20:27:04
Mixed
1. Joe Skerman & Josie Wilcox, NZL, JoJo, 15:58:38
2. Holly Harris & Michael Harris, AUS, Sram Mtoss, 16:22:31
3. Mark Williams & Kate Fluker, NZL, New World-Pivot, 16:47:20
